FRANKFORT, KY - A new report says the oral health of Kentucky children is getting worse despite having a greater access to dentists.

Multiple news outlets reported Delta Dental of Kentucky and Kentucky Youth Advocates presented the results of a survey of more than 2,000 children to the state legislature's Interim Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday. The report found that 41 percent of third- and sixth-graders surveyed had untreated cavities.

It was the first report of its kind since 2001. Since then, the report found the number of third- and sixth-graders who need early or urgent dental care rose to 49 percent from 32 percent statewide.

The report recommended lawmakers encourage parents to have their children drink fluoridated tap water instead of sugary drinks.